Expedition Aconcagua

Transcription

1 Expedition Aconcagua Test your limits at high altitude and embark on a once in a lifetime journey to the top of Argentina s highest Mountain on our Expedition Mount Aconcagua! At (6,962m / 22,842 ft) high, Mount Aconcagua is the highest mountain in the West and the second highest summit in the circuit of the seven summits, but it is not technically challenging, its difficulty lies in its high altitude and the low temperatures. We have therefore, put together a 20-day package designed to provide maximum safety on the mountain, the best possible acclimatization, and two extra days in case of bad weather or any other unforeseen circumstance they may delay your summit attempt. You adventure starts in the city of Mendoza, at the foot of the Andes Mountain Range in Argentina. Your itinerary has been specially developed to give you the greatest opportunity to acclimatise and achieve your goal, and so you will start slowly and make your way to the 6,962m peak of Mount Aconcagua at a gradual pace. Page: 1 of 11

2 Itinerary DAY 1: Depart UK on flight to Mendoza, Argentina Non-UK Airports available, please contact us for a tailor made quote. DAY 2: MENDOZA (760metres) Arrive in Mendoza, and make your way to your hotel in Mendoza city. After a couple of hours to rest, you will meet with your guide for a mandatory climb orientation session including equipment checks. If necessary, your guide will accompany you to hire any items you may need for your climb, before leaving you to enjoy an evening at your leisure and an early night! Overnight: NH Cordillera Hotel (or similar) DAY 3 MENDOZA / PENITENTES (2,725 metres) After breakfast today, you will complete the permit process in the morning, before boarding your private bus to the town of Penitentes, where you will stop for lunch and spend the night in Penitentes hostel. In the afternoon, the mules are loaded and prepared for the following day. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner DAY 4: PENITENTES / CONFLUENCIA (3,300 metres) After breakfast today, you will transfer to the entrance of the Park where you will present your permits and start your expedition trekking to Confluencia Camp, enjoying a picnic lunch along the way. On arrival at the base camp, you will set up your tent and have a few hours to relax before dinner. DAY 5: CONFLUENCIA / PLAZA FRANCIA (4,000 metres) / CONFLUENCIA Today you will trek to Plaza Francia at the base of the south face of Mt. Aconcagua. Here you will enjoy a delicious lunch and spectacular views, before returning Confluencia. This trekking is considered part of the acclimatization process, fundamental to your expedition. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Page: 2 of 11

3 DAY 6: CONFLUENCIA / PLAZA DE MULAS (4,260 metres) After breakfast today, you will trek approximately eight hours to the Plaza de Mulas Base Camp, enjoying a picnic lunch along the way. Plaza de Mulas will be your base camp for the next five nights, and has all the necessary commodities to be as comfortable as possible. DAY 7: PLAZA DE MULAS Acclimatization Day. After a leisurely breakfast, you will take a short trek in Plaza de Mulas area to contemplate the beauty of the mountain. You will spend the afternoon preparing your crampons and any other equipment that may be necessary at high altitude. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner DAY 8: PLAZA DE MULAS / MT. BONETE (5,100 metres) / PLAZA DE MULAS Another important day for acclimatization, today you will trek to Mt. Bonete summit at 5,100 metres. This climb will take approximately six hours to complete, and is highly effective at turning on the acclimatization mechanisms in the body. You will then return to Plaza de Mulas in time for dinner. DAY 09: PLAZA DE MULAS / CAMP 1 CANADÁ / PLAZA DE MULAS Today, you will carry supplies to Camp 1 Plaza Canada. Every member of the group will carry without exception a load weighing a maximum of 10kg. This load will include food, altitude equipment, and any other necessities required for the rest of the expedition. You will enjoy a picnic lunch at Camp 1 before returning to Plaza de Mulas for the evening. DAY 10: PLAZA DE MULAS Today you will spend a final day at Plaza de Mulas for acclimatization purposes. After a short walk around the area, you will prepare your equipment and rest-up, so you are mentally and physically prepared for the next few days. Page: 3 of 11

4 DAY 11: PLAZA DE MULAS / CAMP 1 CANADÁ After breakfast today, you will trek approximately three hours back up to Camp 1 Canada. You will carry only your personal equipment (detailed below), the porters will carry all the tents, sleeping equipment and cooking utensils. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a nice picnic lunch before setting up your tents for the evening. DAY 12: CAMP 1 CANADÁ / CAMP 2 NIDO DE CÓNDORES (5,250m) Today, you will continue your ascent to Camp 2 Nido de Cóndores, which will take approximately four hours. On this day, every member of the group will carry their own personal equipment and 5kg of supplies. The porters will carry everything else. Upon arrival in Nido de Cóndores, you will have a picnic lunch, set up your tents, and spend the afternoon relaxing. DAY 13: CAMP 2 NIDO DE CÓNDORES / CAMP 3 BERLÍN (5,900 metres) After breakfast today, you will climb to Camp 3 Berlin, which will be the last altitude camp before the summit. This will be a short hike, around 3 hours, but you will need all your strength due to the characteristics of this part of the route. You will carry your personal equipment and 5 kg of supplies, the porters will carry the sleeping tents and the rest of the expedition equipment. DAY 14: CAMP 3 BERLIN / SUMMIT (6,962 metres) / CAMP 3 BERLIN Today is the day you have been dreaming about, and after a very early morning wake-up call and breakfast, you will begin your ascent from Camp 3 to the Summit of Mount Aconcagua. Each member will carry just a small backpack with essential supplies (water, gloves etc), and you will trek very slowly to Aconcagua s highest peak at 6,962 metres above sea level. After taking a moment to catch your breath (literally), you can begin to enjoy the view and celebrate your amazing achievement! You will have plenty of time to take photos and videos before you descend back down to Camp 3 for a well-deserved lunch at the base camp. A tough day, but one with untold rewards, you will be more than ready for bed tonight! Page: 4 of 11

5 DAY 15: CAMP 3 BERLÍN / PLAZA DE MULAS After a leisurely breakfast, you will descend to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp a trek that will take approximately 3 hours. The rest of the day is yours to do as you please in and around the camp. DAY 16: PLAZA DE MULAS / PUENTE DEL INCA / MENDOZA Today, you will make your final descent to Puente Del Inca the last trek of the expedition. Your belongings will be carried by mules, so you will only take a light backpack with a jacket and your packed lunch. After departing the National Park Gates, your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Mendoza city for a much-needed shower! The evening is yours to do as you please. Overnight: Mendoza Meals Included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch DAY 17: MENDOZA - Extra day for contingencies that may prevent the normal development of the program After breakfast today, you have a free day to enjoy the beautiful city of Mendoza. We recommend taking a full-day wine / olive tasting tour. Overnight: Mendoza Meals Included: Breakfast DAY 18: MENDOZA - Extra day for contingencies that may prevent the normal development of the program With another full day to enjoy Mendoza, we recommend visiting the hot pools of Thermas Cacheuta. Overnight: Mendoza Meals Included: Breakfast DAY 19: Departure After breakfast today, you will check out of the hotel and make your way to Mendoza airport for your return flight home. NOTE: THE ABOVE ITINERARY IS INTENDED AS A GUIDELINE ONLY. ALTHOUGH EVERY EFFORT WILL BE MADE TO ADHERE TO IT, CHANGES MAY BE CAUSED DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS, TRANSPORT FAILURE OR OTHER UNFORESEEN EVENTS. PLEASE BE FLEXIBLE IF NECESSARY. Page: 5 of 11

6 Important Information About Your Trip TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY Aconcagua s Normal Route is not technically difficult and you do not need to have any previous climbing experience on rock or ice, but it should not be underestimated. A good level of physical fitness, determination, and experienced mountain crew will help you reach the summit, but you should be prepared for freezing temperatures, long days on the mountain, and you may have to use crampons and fixed ropes for your security, depending on the conditions of the route. PHYSICAL & MENTAL PREPARATION As with any expedition of this kind, preparation is key, and so we strongly recommend you prepare physically and mentally to deal with strenuous situations at high altitudes, learn some basic technical skills (crampon, ice axe, rope use), and complete two or three multi-day trips carrying your backpack so you are in peak condition for your climb. Mount Aconcagua is not to be likened with Mount Kilimanjaro, the trek is much longer, the terrain is different, and it is almost 1,000metres higher! The biggest problem that you will face on your expedition is the altitude effects on your body and the low temperatures on the mountain. Such effects can be reduced with the correct training and high-quality clothing and equipment (please see our Mount Aconcagua Packing Guide), but mental preparation will be the key to your success. PERSONAL EQUIPMENT Please note that from Plaza de Mulas, you will be responsible for carrying your own equipment to the next base camps, so pack wisely and take only the necessities. Should you require the services of a porter to help you transport your luggage (rather than carrying it yourself), please let us know at the time of booking. The cost of a porter depends on the amount of days required and will be quoted accordingly. Page: 6 of 11

7 Included Services HOTEL IN MENDOZA You will stay in a hotel in Mendoza city for two nights, both when arriving in Mendoza and when returning from the mountain. The rooms included in our program are double (each passenger will share his/her room with one of his/her expedition partners) and breakfast and taxes are included in the price. If you prefer a single room, please do not forget to let us know at the time of booking. This service is subject to availability and at an extra cost. ASSISTANCE TO BUY THE CLIMBING PERMIT Obtaining of the permit to entry the Aconcagua Park has to be made in two steps: first, you must complete an online form with personal information; and second, you must make the payment for the permit fee. The price of it varies according to the season in which the entry is made (low, medium or high) and the type of activity to be developed inside the Park. In order to ease these procedures, our partners in Mendoza will take care of filling the online form with the information previously provided by you in your Booking Form. You can also pay your permit fee in advance, if you would like our partners to arrange your permit for you. Please advise us at the time of booking. TRANSFER MENDOZA / PENITENTES / MENDOZA You will be transferred from your hotel and to Penitentes in a private vehicle. The journey is approximately 180km, through one of the most spectacular landscapes in the Central Andes. MEALS Throughout the expedition you will enjoy all meals (B: breakfast / L: lunch / PL: packed-lunch if you are on the move / D: dinner), carefully planned by professionals to ensure you have a balanced diet during your time on the mountain. During the expedition, your cooks prepare every meal, with a fixed menu from day three, except at the high altitude camps where your guides will be in charge of cooking. All meals mentioned in the itinerary are included. If you are vegetarian or celiac, or if you need a special diet, please let us know in your Booking Form. It will be a pleasure for us to prepare a special menu for you. This service has an extra cost. LODGING IN PENITENTES The group will spend one night in Penitentes at the beginning of the expedition, in rooms for two to four people (according to the number of members in the group) and with private toilet. Breakfast and dinner in the restaurant of the hotel are included. ASSISTANCE FOR THE ARRANGEMENT OF LOADS TO BE TRANSPORTED BY MULES Your mountain guides will advise you on what to include in your luggage and the way in which it should be arranged on the mules. Page: 7 of 11

8 MULES Our partners in Argentina own more than 100 mules, which can carry people or belongings. The difference between the mules that carry people and the mules that carry gear is that the ones for people are tamer. Before starting with the summer season, veterinarians check all mules to ensure they are in good health prior to your climb. At the beginning of the Aconcagua season, the mules are transported by trucks to Puente Del Inca without shoeing to avoid any injury. During the season, all mules are treated with care and attention. It is important to take into account that after two trips to Plaza de Mulas and one to Plaza Argentina, the mule s rest for 4 or 5 Days to recover from this activity. Your belongings will be carried by mules from Puente Del Inca to Confluencia, from Confluencia to Plaza de Mulas, and from Plaza de Mulas to Puente Del Inca. Each mule can carry up to a limit of 180 kg, but our mules only carry 60kg to move comfortably on the mountain. Each trekker is allowed up to 30kg of luggage on each stage of the approach. We strongly recommend you to bring a strong duffel bag. TRANSFER TO THE ACONCAGUA TRAILHEAD You will be transferred from the Penitentes Hotel to the first Rangers Station in a private vehicle. Here your permit is checked out and you are informed about the park rules. CONFLUENCIA BASE CAMP While you are gaining height, your body needs some time to start with the acclimatization process. Therefore, it is extremely important to stop for two nights at an intermediate level to help your body start with this process. During this time, you will camp at the Confluencia camp, which is fully equipped with wide dinner tents, electrical light, tables and chairs to have meals etc. TREKKING TO PLAZA FRANCIA On the 4th day of the expedition, you will visit the base of the mythical South Face of Aconcagua Mountain. This is the vertical face of the mountain with glaciers and walls almost 3,000 meters tall. During this trek, you will ascend 700 meters to start the body s acclimatization process. PLAZA DE MULAS BASE CAMP Once you have arrived at Plaza de Mulas, you will spend several nights in the Aymara campsite, which is fully prepared with tents for eating, another for the kitchen, a third tent for equipment storage, and toilets to make your trip around the magnificent South American Mountain as comfortable as possible. Here you will start preparing your body for the challenging ascent. TREKKING IN PLAZA DE MULAS AREA AND MT. BONETE CLIMBING Acclimatization is a dynamic process for which your body needs a minimal activity to help increase the body s responsiveness to the changes in altitude. Due do this, two important activities will be done: on Day 6, you will do a short trek in the area of Plaza de Mulas, useful and interesting. On the Day 7, you will climb Mt. Bonete (5,100m); this is an important step in the acclimatization process. Page: 8 of 11

9 PORTERS FOR THE HEIGHT CAMPS Your porters are there to help you along your trek, and carry most of the supplies and equipment so that you can focus your energies on the climb. However, it is important to remember that: On Day 8 of the expedition (when the group takes part of the altitude equipment and the food that will be needed in Plaza Canada) each member will carry without exception a food load and fuel for the expedition that will weigh a maximum of 10kg. This day is very important to start perceiving your physiological response to the height, fundamental step to reach the summit. Likewise, during Days 11 and 12 of the program (the group treks to sleep in Nido de Cóndores and Berlín), you will carry your personal equipment and you will carry without exception a food load and fuel for the expedition that will weigh a maximum of 5kg. Your porters will carry the sleeping tents and the rest of the ordinary equipment. Day 14 the porters will take all the ordinary equipment of the expedition as well as the garbage produced during all the days spent on the higher camps. Each climber has to carry his/her own personal equipment (backpacks) during every stretch and the ordinary equipment that you will be assigned during Day 8, 11 and 12 of the program. PORTERS FOR THE ORDINARY EQUIPMENT During Days 8, 11 and 12 of the program, each member will carry - without exception - a food load and fuel for the expedition that will be needed in Plaza Canadá, Nido de Cóndores and Berlín. If you wish to hire a porter to help you carry your load, please let us know. This service has an extra cost and the price will depend on the stretch your equipment will be carried. PORTERS FOR PERSONAL EQUIPMENT You may also hire a personal porter to help you transport your belongings from one camp to another, so that you can concentrate on the climb. Please contact us for prices. MOUNTAIN GUIDES Your mountain guides are qualified professionals of the AAGM (Argentinean Association of Mountain Guides) and the EPGAMT (School of High Mountain and Trekking Guides). The last qualification is the result of 3 years of studying. We believe that in order to succeed in our expeditions, professionals with experience and the ability to offer security should guide our teams, and we provide one mountain guide for every three climbers. Fully equipped for your climb, your guides will carry a VHF radio, a first aid kit complete with the appropriate drugs for altitude sickness, ropes, an altimeter, and professional equipment. EXTRA DAYS Your expedition includes two extra days in case of contingencies that may prevent the normal development of the itinerary. Our partners will do everything possible to develop the program as it has been described. However, sometimes due to conditions beyond their control, your guides may modify the schedule in response to the circumstances and safety of the group. If this situation arises, you will not receive any sort of severance payment. Page: 9 of 11

10 COMMUNICATIONS During your climb, you will notice that your location on the mountain is recorded at all times. VHF and BLU radio lines are used to maintain in contact between the high altitude campsites: Plaza de Mulas, Confluencia, Puente Del Inca and Mendoza, so that you will get immediate response/assistance in an emergency. TENTS Normally, during the summer high season, Aconcagua has good weather conditions, but it is possible that you will experience a few stormy days. You will be provided with the highest quality tents at high altitude campsites (such as The North Face and Mountain Hardwear), but you need to bring your own high quality sleeping bag (we recommend those designed for use in -30 degrees) and thermal clothing. Usually, two climbers will sleep in each tent, but if your guide considers it necessary, a maximum of three climbers may sleep in one tent. Remember that you will have to set up your own tent with your partner. The guide will help you when necessary. GIFTS Once you have successfully completed your Mount Aconcagua Expedition, you will receive a summit certificate and an Aconcagua t-shirt from our partners Aymará as a gift. Not Included Services ENTRY PERMIT TO ACONCAGUA PARK It is essential to acquire a climbing permit to enter the Aconcagua Provincial Park. The price varies according to the season in which you enter the Park (low, mid or high). The climbing permit is not included in this program, and you should calculate approximately $600 USD - $900 USD per person based on 2013/2014 prices. Prices for 2014 / 2015 Permits will be released in October The permit is non-refundable and the price may suffer increases without prior notice by the authorities of the Aconcagua Provincial Park. The payment of the fee contributes to the maintenance of the Aconcagua Provincial Park (collaborating with its protection and preservation) as well as with the maintenance of the Medical Services (Emergency Evacuation is included) and Rangers. DRINKS AND OTHER PERSONAL COSTS NOT MENTIONED IN THE ITINERARY Extra expenses like food or drinks not listed as included in the itinerary are payable by you onsite. 2 NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION IN MENDOZA IF CONTINGENCY DAYS NOT REQUIRED ON THE MOUNTAIN Your expedition includes two extra days in case of contingencies that may prevent the normal development of the itinerary. If these contingency days are not required on the mountain, you can choose to spend two extra nights in Mendoza (at your own cost), or if it is possible to change your flight without penalties, return home on Day 17. Page: 10 of 11

11 EXPENSES FOR GIVING UP THE EXPEDITION All Aconcagua expeditions are quoted on the whole group, should you decide to give up the expedition due to personal problems or mountain sickness, extra expenses to bring you down the mountain will apply. These expenses include: Mules from Plaza de Mulas to Puente del Inca Approximately 240,- USD Public Bus Transfer from Puente del Inca to Mendoza Hotel Accommodations / Meals in Mendoza If you are evacuated by helicopter and your belongings cannot travel with you, extra costs will apply to transport your luggage down the mountain by mule, and for transferring it to your hotel. Each person is responsible for his/her belongings and personal equipment. We therefore STRONGLY recommend you have adequate insurance to cover all eventualities. SLEEPING BAG AND PERSONAL EQUIPMENT Personal Equipment and Sleeping Bags are not included in the cost of your climb. You are responsible for bringing all your clothing, boots, mountain equipment and high altitude gear, or you may rent equipment in Mendoza. Should you choose to rent equipment, we strongly recommend you make the necessary reservations at the time of booking your climb. PERSONAL INSURANCE Personal travel / medical insurance is a fundamental requirement to climb Mt. Aconcagua. We suggest you to contact your insurance company and advise them that your journey involves mountaineering up to 7,000 metres to ensure your policy covers all risks involved in climbing a mountain, emergency evacuation, medical care onsite in Argentina, and if necessary, repatriation. TRANSPORT TO AND FROM THE HOTEL Airport Transfers in Mendoza are not included LOSS / DELAY OF LUGGAGE If your luggage is lost or delayed, you must speak to the airline in question. Neither Equatours nor Aymara accept any responsibility, and your expedition will continue as planned. We strongly recommend you travel to Mendoza in your climbing boots/clothing, and carry as much essential climbing equipment as possible in your hand luggage. Aymara will endeavour to assist you onsite should you need to rent clothing / sleeping bags / climbing equipment in Mendoza. Pricing & Information Pricing Based on 2 Adults Sharing Guaranteed Departure November March / Private Tours from pp Page: 11 of 11